Words from the Pastor
Paul tells us in Romans 15:13 this: “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Isn’t that beautiful? So, Paul here is wanting God to fill the recipients of this letter with joy and peace until it is coming out of every pore in their bodies!! “So that you may overflow…”
I think we have all seen pictures of the flooding in Nebraska this past week. There has been so much rain that the water has run over the river banks and now whole towns are being affected and everything is being touched by this natural disaster.
To me, this is a picture of what Jesus wants the Holy Spirit to do in our lives if we will let Him. Jesus said in John 7:37-39: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” Christ’s desire for us is that we will be so full of the Spirit that no matter what happens around us, in us or to us, our God of hope will overflow with hope! What happens when we overflow? Whatever is coming out of us is touching and affecting those that are near us. Our families, our co-workers, our friends and anyone that we happen to come in contact with. The Holy Spirit touches them through us and they can observe that peace and hope that comes only through a relationship with Jesus. Because essentially, that is what we are here for isn’t it? We are here to bring glory and honor to Christ Jesus while we live our lives out on this earth. And as we bring honor and glory to Jesus, people see Him working in us and they want what we have, hope and peace. Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:18-19 this: “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Allow Jesus to fill you to overflowing and touch a lost and dying world. We can make a difference in some. All they need to see is His light shining in their dark world.
Please let me know if you need anything. You pray for me and I’ll pray for you. Naomi and I love you all. -Pastor Steve